"We are excited about the upcoming Joe Privitere era of Briar Cliff wrestling," said Gast. "Joe has a deep desire and drive to create winners on the mat. However, he has an equally strong desire to create winners in the classroom and in life."

While this will be Privitere's first head coaching stint, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is currently serving as the head assistant coach at NCAA Div. I Davidson College, a position he began in 2007. Prior to that, Privitere was an assistant coach at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston, S.C., from 2005 until 2007. Over the years, Privitere, who holds a USAW Bronze-Level Certification, has also been involved in numerous wrestling camps and clinics.

"I am honored to be the newest member of the Briar Cliff family and look forward to using my work ethic and past experiences to build on an already strong foundation at the University," said Privitere. "My goals include creating all-Americans and national champions in an environment that fosters excellence in the student portion of the student-athlete experience."

Out of high school, Privitere wrestled at the State University of New York at Binghamton, in Vestal, New York. The NCAA Div. II All-American was a three-year team captain for the Bearcats. The Johnson City, N.Y. native and two-time all-conference selection finished his illustrious career second on the school's all-time win chart (112) and having set the single-season win record with 38. In addition to his college experience, Privitere was also the 1998 High School National Champion, 1999 FILA Greco All-American, 2000 FILA Greco World Team Trial Champion and the 2000 FILA Greco World Silver Medalist. He earned his bachelor's degree in human development and education from Binghamton in 2003. He then went on to earn his master's degree in health, exercise and sports science from the Citadel in 2007 while serving as an assistant with the Bulldog wrestling program.

Privitere takes over the program's lead from Damon Clayborne, who has served as the part-time head coach for the past six years. Clayborne will continue to contribute to the program as the part-time associate head coach. Privitere is the program's fifth head coach since Briar Cliff reinstated the sport in 1997. This past season, the Chargers sent three wrestlers to the NAIA National Championships and junior Josh Rogers came back an all-American. The 2010-11 season will be program's 14th consecutive year and 18th overall season. Aside from coaching, Privitere will work in the Institutional Advancement office at Briar Cliff.